If we have learned anything from 2020 and 2021, it is that we are better prepared for anything.
Now that 2022 has come, let’s outline the projects and tasks that you need to plan throughout the year. This year it is especially important to have a plan and a backup, and possibly a backup for your backup.
Given the shortage of manpower and materials combined with rising costs, you need to make sure you can handle large projects and repairs, both financially and in terms of time. To reduce your risk of costly repairs and replacements, regular maintenance is critical and you need to plan for it.
Monthly house maintenance
You can do most of these monthly tasks yourself and only need common household appliances.
Change the air filter. Rosie recommends the 1-inch pleated paper filter that sits securely in the holder. If you have pets or are hyper-allergic, more frequent cleaning may be required.
Check for leaks near toilets and sinks. Any sign of a leak could later cost hundreds of dollars in repairs and wasted water. Place a paper towel under each sink in the house and check for water stains.
Seal cavities or cracks around and in tubs and showers.
Thoroughly clean the extractor hood and filter.
Test smoke and carbon monoxide alarms. Smoke alarms with non-replaceable 10-year batteries are designed for a service life of up to 10 years. If the alarm beeps and warns of a low battery, replace the entire smoke alarm immediately.
Smoke alarms with any other type of battery need a new battery at least once a year, maybe on New Years Day, whether they need it or not. A chirping alarm is a warning that the battery is low. Replace the battery immediately.
Go around the exterior of the house. Look for problems with the foundation, vents, gutters, and drainage pipes.
winter
Test the security of your garage door. Make sure the chain pulls smoothly.
spring
Cooling & heating system
Oh, you don’t want to be caught without an AC in early May at the latest! Schedule your AC tuning and maintenance, which includes:
- Checking the accuracy of the thermostat settings.
- Cleaning fan blades and coils.
- Check the blower motor and critical electrical components
- Checking the entire unit for damage from winter hail
If your oven and air conditioner are indoors and easily accessible – perhaps in a closet – check the closet for holes or leaks that a technician could fix.
Roof inspection
Examine your roof before the monsoons come. Otherwise, if there was a leak, you could wait weeks for a repair or even someone to place a tarpaulin.
Seal cracks and gaps in windows and doors with sealant or sealing tape; replace if necessary.
summer
Test the security of your garage door one more time.
Check the door and window seals.
Falling
Cooling & heating system
Even if the air conditioning is still running, plan to have your HVAC system checked every six months by the beginning of October at the latest. This means that the stove is winter-proof.
Chimney maintenance
Keeping your chimney and chimney clean is a safety issue. If you’ve used the chimney in winter, schedule a professional chimney sweep. This is a messy job that you’d probably rather be doing someone else.
According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), a chimney must be swept at least once a year to keep it in a safe condition. If you have an oil or wood fireplace, you should clean it twice a year, depending on how it is used.
Pool maintenance
Evaluate the engine running time and the pool’s chemical consumption. The engine can be reduced by a few hours per day outside of peak hours. Less chlorine is required at cooler temperatures. Test the pool water (or have it tested at your local pool supply) and make sure you don’t waste money on overchlorination. Check the pool filters and baskets.
irrigation
Irrigation systems should be adjusted quarterly and according to the season’s weather.
October is the ideal season for overseeding.
Daytime temperatures are around 80 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit and nights drop to around 55 degrees Fahrenheit. Warmer weather favors the Bermuda grass, while at the same time it prevents the settlement of winter grass. If you re-sow in colder weather, frost can occur which will damage the young seed grasses.
Foundation inspection
The monsoons bring a lot of floods. Keep an eye on your foundation, driveway, and sidewalks for any signs of vibration. If you notice any changes, make an appointment with a foundation specialist.
Roof inspection
If you didn’t do this in the spring and weathered the monsoons with no leaks, call now to schedule a pre-winter rain inspection. Because of the monsoons, roofers are exceptionally busy. Get on your schedule now.
Replace old, draughty windows with more energy-efficient models.
Empty the water heater.
Wrap insulation around outside taps and pipes in unheated garages.
Make a plan
Always plan for the unexpected. Whether it is a new HVAC unit, toilet, or service, you need to find a reputable, licensed contractor like one of the Rosie certified partners and find funding to cover the cost.
“Many don’t think enough about the planning phase before starting something,” Bruce Stumbo, Project Manager & Sales Advisor, Rosie Right | Draft. To build. Remodeling said.
HomeZada is the only platform that brings together all the information about your home financial assets and different spending categories. Track the coverage and costs of your home insurance, as well as your property taxes. Budget for all ongoing household expenses such as energy, water, trash, internet, and other premium expenses such as landscaping and pool services.
To budget for repairs, consider a savings account rather than a home guarantee. Sometimes the warranties are often insufficient to cover what is needed for major repairs. And with a home guarantee, you may not be able to choose the contractors to do the work.
Preventive maintenance goes a long way towards extending the life of the systems and products in which you have invested. Too often we roll until something breaks, which can lead to high and unexpected repair and replacement bills. Take care of your home and it will serve you well!
Visit Rosie on the House every Saturday morning from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. on KTAR News 92.3 FM. If you want to send us any questions or comments, send an email to mailto: [email protected]. Follow us on Twitter and “like” us on Facebook. For more do-it-yourself tips, visit rosieonthehouse.com. Rosie Romero has been a home builder and remodel specialist in Arizona since 1988 and is the host of the Saturday morning syndicated radio show Rosie on the House. Call 888-767-4348 with questions and comments.
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